Jikkaen is located on the historic site of Jikkatei, the villa of Naomasa Nabeshima. Water from Mount Kinryu forms the 'Mago no Taki' (Grandchild Falls), believed to contain medicinal herbs for immortality. Retainers fetched this water for the princess to make tea.
Experience the history of the Nabeshima clan by exploring Jikkaen's various historical spots.
Naomasa Nabeshima
Naomasa Nabeshima (1814 - 1871)
A daimyo from the late Edo period
10th feudal lord of the Hizen Saga Domain
Naomasa was born in 1814 and became the feudal lord at the young age of 16 in 1830, following the death of his father, Naritaka Nabeshima. He dedicated himself to internal reforms to rebuild the domain's finances, particularly focusing on industrial promotion and enhancing education. He also advocated for the adoption of Western-style military equipment, transforming the Saga Domain into one with modern military capabilities. As a result, the Saga Domain played a crucial role during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period.
Naomasa valued education highly and established the 'Kodokan' to encourage scholarship. Many talents were nurtured here, forming the foundation for the later achievements of the Saga samurai. Additionally, he studied Rangaku (Dutch learning), actively incorporating Western technology and knowledge, and engaged with intellectuals both domestically and internationally, reflecting these insights in his governance.
During the Meiji Restoration, Naomasa cooperated with the new government and was recognized for his contributions. He passed away in 1871 and is esteemed as an enlightened ruler who modernized the Saga Domain and contributed to the success of the Meiji Restoration. His efforts in reform and education provided the basis for the future accomplishments of the Saga samurai.
Commonly known as 'Moissan,' Otomonju Shrine enshrines Monju Bosatsu as its principal deity. Monju Bosatsu symbolizes wisdom, attracting many students and visitors who pray for success in exams.
Additionally, about 500 meters up the mountain, the upper shrine of Otomonju Shrine has many written wishes from visitors hoping for success in exams or employment, earning it the nickname 'Rakugaki-dō' (Graffiti Hall).